Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn, NY was lit all the way on Saturday August 11th 2018. That was the venue for this year's One Africa Music Fest, an event were Africans gather gather as one entity to enjoy authentic African music. The event showcases emerging, popular and established musical artists just like Coachella. Let's just call it the African 'Coachella' basically, okay?
This was my first time attending this event since it started a few years ago and I was quite impressed. The 5000 capacity was filled up. I mean it was packed with beautiful people representing their various backgrounds from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, even those from the Caribbeans and some Caucasians as well. It was maaaaaaaaad fun out there.
The show was hosted by one of Nigeria's finest, Banky W aka Mr Capable.
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Banky W |
He did a very decent job just say. At some point he kinda threw me off when he started talking about everyone getting their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) to ensure that we put the right government in charge. I thought it was only Nigeria that is clamoring for people to exercise their right to vote. Did he forget that he was in NY? or do Nigerians have the opportunity to vote in the US? or did he forget that he is hosting a gathering that made up of various people from different countries? Talk about doing the right thing at the wrong time.
Well, the artistes that performed were Dencia (Cameroon), Betty G. (Ethiopia), Seyi Shay (Nigeria), Eddy Kenzo (Uganda), Niniola (Nigeria), Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), DJ Spinall (Nigeria), Kranium (Jamaica), Flavour (Nigeria), Sarkodie (Ghana), Wande Coal (Nigeria) and last but definitely not the least, Wizkid (Nigeria). They were all amazing and have the crowd their all.
The show was supposed to start at 7 pm. I was there like 6:45-ish, strolled down a few blocks to get some Nathan's, ate and strolled back to the venue at about 7:47-ish and got in. The arena was lit all ready!
Not so good a video but this is just for you to get the feeling *wink* Now down to the business...The high and low moments.
The low moments...
Dencia
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Dencia |
She is quite talented but she showed a little bit of nervousness as the crowd were not connecting to her music. She even tried to encourage (she was practically begging) the crowd and mentioned that it was her first time performing in NY. I felt awkward for her because I knew nothing about her song. If I had known she was going to be there I would have researched her songs (but it's not about me). She did her thing on the stage while the crowd stood (and sat) there watching her dance moves. Check her out here.
Betty G
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Betty G |
A beautiful and talented singer. She performed songs that I know I would love more if I had known her prior. Most of the audience did not connect. A some point she did this Ethiopian dance (Eskista) which is done by shaking your shoulders rhythmically. It's beautiful! Check out her songs here, here and here.
Cassper Nyovest
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Cassper Nyovest |
Neutral moments...
Eddy Kenzo
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Eddy Kenzo |
Niniola
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Niniola |
Seyi Shay
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Seyi Shay |
The highs...
DJ Spinall
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DJ Spinall |
Sakordie
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Sarkodie |
Kranium
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Kranium |
Flavour
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Flavour |
Extremely talented artiste. No explanation for that description. Just roll with me here because I'm running out of words. He brought his live band (as usual) and took the whole crowd to the promise land with hits like 'Nwa baby', 'Baby Na Yoka', 'Ada Ada', 'Sexy Rosey' and 'Most High'. The crowd went wild.
Wande Coal
He carried the crowd down memory lane to the present with hits like 'You bad', 'Bumper to Bumper', 'Rotate', 'Iskaba', 'Tur-key Nla' and 'So mi so'. They crowd went loco with just his presence on the stage. He showed why he's known as the 'black diamond'.
Wande Coal
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Wande Coal |
Wizkid
The final act and obviously the star of the show. He did what he was supposed to do which was to give a show stopping performance. By choice, I'm not into his songs but when he performed 'Jaiye Jaiye', 'Daddy Yo' (very briefly...which got me pissed off), 'Ojuelegba' (btw I prefer the remix with Sarkodie) and 'Soco', I was grooving all through. Skaku shaku moves on deck!
All in all, the entire show seemed to be a success. I had mad fun and felt (kinda) fulfilled...and knackered! I will give the whole event a 90% just because nothing is ever perfect in life, right?
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